Italian Mess

CHAPTER 2

I wrinkled my nose, "Um... Hello? Soleil speaking,"

"Did you just wake up? God! I love your mom! She just called my mom and informed her about the trip and ticket bookings. Italy, here we go!" A high-pitched voice greeted me on the other end. When it's a squeal, I knew who it was.

Elodie Paige, my best friend in college and was my block mate during the first semester as a freshman student at our university. A year passed, I got to know her better. Didn't even think I'd be close with her. She is the youngest daughter of an owner of a telecommunications holdings company prominent in the country and a doctor. With her charm, wits, talent, and smartness? My best friend is soaring high in the business industry.

I pull away from my phone from my ear, "Get up! We have to go shopping for clothes we need in Europe, woman! I already informed Aury. Why didn't you inform us right away when your parents told you?"

This energetic ball just cannot stay still. She was just like a kid who got her Christmas present. No matter how small or big, she always is a cheerful lady. Imagine this ball of energy going to law school after we graduate. She's lucky to have a boyfriend coming to law school together with her.

"I'll explain later and we'll talk later. Please? I want to get back to sleep? Isn't it a simple thing to ask? You already know I'm not a morning person. Please calm down. I don't want you hyperventilating about your excitement." I answered her.

"Get up, woman! Go shower! Big chance you haven't eaten lunch or breakfast, so grab some food. I'll pick you up at thirty. See you!" She ended the call. Obviously with a huge ass grin on her face. My best friends know me so well.

My stomach was growling. I didn't want to leave my bed. I showered in no time and went downstairs to get some food. Silence filled the house, which is the ultimate bliss. "Food in the fridge is all mine!" I whispered to myself as I took the steps of the stairs two by two.

When I entered the kitchen, my eyes went open-wide to see my brother eating some leftovers of food last night. He had a carton of milk in his hand, chugging it all. I frown, "I swear, what's your deal with milk? We consume more than almost 6 cartons of milk a week."

"Well, I love milk. It is partly your fault if you're not fast enough. And Lei, milk is healthy.  It provides you calcium your bones need. Have you ever listened to your science classes in high school? You even need 3 cups of milk a day to meet your calcium needs," my brother grinned as he munched on his food.

I crossed my arms, "Too much milk can kill you and that's a fact. Anyway, where's mom and dad? I'm amazed you're home,"

Trying to argue with my brother was something we always do. It's never new. Our arguments never die down. This always happens since we're the only children in the house. It annoys the hell out of me that sometimes he even tries to be the big brother, even if he was just two years younger than me. There's even a time we'd punch each other's faces because he was just annoying. We don't have the best relationship but sometimes when we'd agree on something, it only happens when we were arguing with our parents.

"Don't you ever understand that our parents go to work to earn a living even if it's a Saturday. They didn't wake you up cause they know we're all night owls who don't fancy mornings. And again, it's a Saturday, you don't have classes anymore. I'm home because I want to,"

"Okay! Whatever! I rarely see you on Saturdays, that's why. Now, I'm eating my food in peace because I'll be out the entire afternoon like you care, but yeah. So shoo!" I wave him off as I sat at the counter, and ate in silence.

"You don't see me on Saturdays because you've been busy the past Saturdays. Way to go, Lei!" He raised his shoulders with his arms as he placed his used dishes on the sink and threw the carton in the garbage can and left.

After I finished eating my meal, the doorbell rang. I placed my plate in the sink and hastily walked to the door, not wondering who it was. Not surprised to see Aury waiting outside. I gestured to her to come inside.

"Your mom is a hero, Lei. Good thing she talked to my mom about it and my mom did not hesitate like she usually does, which is unbelievable. We deserve this after 4 years of suffering in college." She said in a calm voice as we both plopped ourselves down on the couch in the living room.

Aurora Ines Marin is the eldest among 3, was the daughter of huge business owners. Her parents run their company every day since it's a multinational retail corporation. I've always admired how this woman knew how to handle a business and since she's at a young age, she'll be following her parents' footsteps.

"It caught me off guard when they told me about it. But I'll spare the details once Elodie arrives, so I won't be repeating them again and again. Elodie got great timing," I rolled my eyes.

"You should get sleep. You know, sometimes you get too much of it or none of it. Like there's no in-between. That's why I always find you weird. It's not healthy Lei! Your sleeping schedule is a mess. You're a vampire," She pats my back with her usual caring voice and makes me remember she's my second mom in school.

Aury has been my friend since high school. She knows me well enough, including the slightest details of my past. Her mom is a good friend of my mom, too. With Elodie, we've been having the same class ever since freshman year and built a stronger bond together.

I place both my hands on both sides of my head, "I know! Sometimes I don't even understand myself at all. Oh, right? Also, I told my mom that maybe Alex is coming." 

"How do you know he'd be coming? We haven't heard from him for months," Her face dazzled.

"Just hope that he's free, I guess? I texted him already," I said with hope and a sudden realization it might disappoint me if it doesn't happen.

Failed expectations.

A car honked in the driveway, interrupting us. It meant Elodie was here. Ambling on our way out of the house, I yelled, "I call for a shotgun!" I ran to my seat. Aury groaned, stomping her feet as she proceeded to the back seat.

"Now, kindly give details why you didn't tell us first about the news that popped out this morning?" Elodie narrowed her eyes at me as she drove away from my house.

"The major reason my parents planned to send me to Italy was because of our farm there. She just wanted me to monitor the winery and all the produce in Azienda Agricola Casa Lombardi. To top it off, I haven't been in Italy for 2 years. I asked my mom why can't my Nonno do it since he visits there often because of Nonna being buried there, also my uncles and cousins." I started.

I looked at both my best friends who narrowed their eyes at me about my situation with the sudden deportation in Italy the entire summer, "She just answered me that my Nonno has other plans and she doesn't trust either of my uncles and cousins. My brother can't do it cause he has pilot stuff going on. Technically, I'm Superwoman who is going there to save the day... but I hope we get to enjoy it," 

"I haven't visited Italy for a long time, too. My parents prefer those icy cold countries." Aury pouts, "Did you talk to Alex?"

I crinkled my nose, "I told you, no. I texted him, but no reply. Why so forgetful?" Aury burst into laughter, covering her face.

Elodie added as she stretched her hands in the air, "This trip the entire summer is a bomb! We can just be spontaneous and not plan an itinerary at all!" 

"Dude, focus on the road! You are driving! Let's not get into an accident or else no Italy." I call her out.

She just giggled, an enormous smile plastered on her face. Aury positioned herself in the middle of the car seat. "Yeah, we wouldn't want that... Your parents keep dropping bombs on you. It isn't good."

I raised my palm to my forehead, "God! I even thought my mom would tell me she was pregnant or something like someone in the family is sick. My overthinking self was not happy! I really don't know with Alex,"

Elodie grinned, "No bad vibes, okay? Let's just enjoy shopping, Graduation, and Italy! Good thing those didn't come out of your mom's mouth Lei, that would've been a downer for you. It's okay if Alex is a no show. His loss anyway."

"I know... At least getting to Italy might bring me somewhere and give me some personal development of being away with everything, you know? Graduating in a college program that isn't my choice and here we go again. Time to get away." I sighed.

The afternoon just ran by its course with all the shopping bags we had on hand. We bought too many summer clothes, not only clothes but also lipsticks and shoes that'd look good with the outfits. Italy is the next thing I need after graduation to fix my sanity about the issues in my family.

After getting exhausted with all the roaming around store-to-store, we headed to a cafe to grab some delightful after shopping snacks. We ordered three iced coffees and a bagel. Who wouldn't love coffee, right? It's my best friend too.

Aury sipped on her iced coffee, "How're your bruises? Why do you keep getting them? That's really odd." 

"Yeah, all you do is stay in your room and read. You should go see a doctor, Lei." Elodie trailed.

My bruises weren't anything serious. It isn't weird since I got them during my secret escapades. I hate lying to my best friends but it's a secret I can only carry. Lost in thought, I remember I haven't answered them.

I avoid their glares and looked outside, "Nah, it's fine, guys. No need to worry. I'm okay. Maybe it's because I read too much and don't get the proper hours of sleep. Low immune system things?"

"Right!" Aury responded. 

As we finished, we had too much to carry, so we planned to head home and should start packing. The mall wasn't that far. It was one of Aury's. A fifteen-minute drive wasn't so bad. It was near the subdivision I lived in and Aury's. Elodie lived at a loft in the central part of the city. 

As Elodie dropped me off and yelled, "See you on Monday! Graduation day!" Aury transferred to the front seat. She smiled, bringing her hand to her forehead, giving me a salute.

I wave them off, "See you! Start packing your bags! Drive home safely! Bye, girls!"

These upcoming days are exciting, but I should let the worry go away somehow. Worries about everything consumed me. I admit it was scary for who might be in Italy I might cross paths with. I exhale as I made my way inside the house with bags gripped in my hands.

The trip to Italy shall be my guide to my next milestone. What if I don't figure out myself and what I want?

I knew I was in for something bigger and far more serious. It was time to face reality. The actual world with legit problems. Those problems pressing more weight on my shoulders that might cause my downfall.

But what if my family causes my downfall?